MMDA Task Force Phantom training for upcoming papal visit

Undergoing rigorous training

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) 'Task Force Phantom' is undergoing rigorous trainining for the upcoming papal visit from January 15 to 19 next year.

The 'Task Force Phantom' was formed by the MMDA to provide additional security and manage traffic for Pope Francis during his visit to the country. The 'Task Force Phantom' is composed of 15 MMDA personnel and 15 members of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group.

MMDA chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino said that the task force would take charge of traffic management and crowd control in areas that will be visited by the Pope.

With this, the 'Task Force Phantom' is taking up refresher courses on security and traffic management. The MMDA personnel will also get new special uniforms and helmets specifically for the papal visit.

As of this writing, Pope Francis is scheduled to meet with President Benigno Aquino III at Malacañang on January 16. It will be followed by a motorcade to the Manila Cathedral and the Apostolic Nunciature or Vatican embassy along Taft Avenue. Then, Pope Francis will head to Tacloban to celebrate mass and adhere the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda.